*Anthoxanthum odoratum Linnaeus. Sweet Vernal Grass. Phen: Apr-Jul. Hab: Lawns, roadsides, disturbed areas. Dist: Native of Europe.
Origin/Endemic status: Europe
Other Comments: A. odoratum is a familiar grass of suburban areas and roadsides, and its pollen is known as a major cause of spring hay fever. From a letter from Charles Darwin to J.D. Hooker, in June 1855: "Have just made out my first grass, hurrah! hurrah! I must confess that fortune favours the bold, for, as good luck would have it, it was the easy Anthoxanthum odoratum: nevertheless it is a great discovery; I never expected to make out a grass in all my life, so hurrah! It has done my stomach surprising good…"
Synonymy: = Ar, C, ETx1, F, FNA24, G, HC, Il, K3, Meso6, Mi, Mo1, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV, Tucker (1996); = Anthoxanthum odoratum L. ssp. odoratum – K1
Wetland Indicator Status:
Heliophily: 8
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